Wie secures LPGA Tour card

2008-12-09

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA (TICKER) —Michelle Wie will be a part of the LPGA Tour in 2009.

Wie was able to overcome a sluggish round Sunday en route to securing her tour card in Q-School.

The 19-year-old Hawaiian carded a 2-over-par 74, but still finished among the top 20. She finished at 12-under 348, tying for seventh.

“It’s a weird feeling right now,” Wie said. “It’s a good feeling. I really earned it. I legitimately went through Q-School, went through the first stage, went through the second stage, and I really got it. It feels good to get that card. It’s like high school graduation, I guess.”

Being a regular member of the tour will be something new for the overhyped Wie, who has been playing mostly on sponsor exemptions since making her debut at age 13. She has since had numerous failed attempts playing against men.

Wie battled a wrist injury and endured a disappointing 2008 campaign, missing three cuts and getting disqualified from another tournament among her nine LPGA events.

However, Wie is looking at the garnering her card as something she could build upon.

“It definitely boosts my confidence,” she said. “I have worked really hard this week, and for this moment. Everything that was written about me, it was a tough period. I have worked hard, and finally this week, I get something for my accomplishment.”

Stacy Lewis won the qualifying tournament, birdying her final two holes to complete a 70.